LIAM Ridgewell says he has learned from his sending-off against Albion last season.

The 21-year-old defender clashed with Jonathan Greening in the 1-1 draw at Villa Park which saw the Albion winger also dismissed.

Now Ridgewell believes the offence, still his only red card, helped to focus his game in the long run.

He said: "I'd like to put it right. I didn't think either of us would be sent off at the time

"I was shocked as it was my first and only sending off in my career, so obviously I was disappointed.

"I won't say anything to him at the game.

"I'll maybe have a little glance his way, but that's all over now and it's in the past."

Ridgewell will be up against Albion's Nigerian talisman Kanu. Villa goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen says it is imperative that the 29-year-old is kept well away from Villa's penalty box.

The Dane said: "He can do all sorts of tricks. He can turn and strike the ball from everywhere and we need to be aware of that.

"He is not the fastest player so if we can keep him up the pitch he is not going to be the same danger as when he is in the box.

"He is unpredictable. You can not see him for a couple of games and then suddenly he will be fantastic."

Sorensen says Villa have no complaints with the tough new year schedule. He added: "It is probably our toughest period of the year.

"We have to play the games at some stage. They could have put a day or two in between some of them but that's for other people to decide. " We just play the games and we know it is the same for all of the teams."